(from Volvo Press
Release) From the outside, the Volvo 3CC has an iconic
funky-cool tapered shape designed to make a dynamic statement that
nonetheless is unmistakably Volvo. Under the hood is an electric
powertrain that quietly propels the Volvo 3CC to a governed top
speed of over 135 km/h (85 mph) and delivers zero to 100 km/h (62
mph) acceleration in approximately ten seconds – with zero
emissions!

Just 3899 mm (153.5 in.) long, 1624 mm (64 in.) wide and 1321 mm (52
in.) high, the Volvo 3CC has dimensions similar to a classic
2-seater sports car – but that is where similarities end. For the
sporty vehicle packs a surprise: a unique two-plus-one
configuration, providing seating for two adults in the front and a
unique rear seat solution for an additional adult or two children.

This 3-seat configuration provides a unique experience with regards
to the occupants' communication, unprecedented rear occupant's
comfort and all-around visibility for all passengers.

“With the Volvo 3CC, Volvo Cars is pioneering a new way of looking
at mobility so future generations can enjoy the same freedoms the
car has given my generation. We believe it is necessary to show new
ways to reduce pollution and congestion,” says Lars Erik Lundin,
Vice President & General Manager of the Volvo Monitoring and Concept
Center VMCC.

The Volvo 3CC is the brainchild of the designers, engineers and
business people at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center
think-tank in California. Their task was to create a `future-proof
concept´ that would enhance sustainable mobility. A car not only
fuel-efficient, versatile, comfortable, and safe, but also exciting
to drive and look at.

“We want to connect in a positive way with consumers so that they
say ‘I want to be seen in this car’,” Lars Erik Lundin explains. “We
want to add emotional value to people’s lives by offering an
environmentally compatible car that appeals to all the senses, and
which people want to drive.”

Despite its compactness, the Volvo 3CC has been designed to feel
spacious through organic lines, and light colors. Inside, the fixed
eye plane ergonomics and low profile A-pillar create a sense of
openness aided by three transparent panels in the roof. As the doors
open by swinging upwards, a floating dash panel slides forward to
ease ingress and egress. A unique sliding seat system also assists
ingress and egress to the rear seat. The pedals also adjust for
individual requirements.

But Volvo Car Corporation's aim was not just to make the 3CC look
good – they also wanted to deliver on overall sustainable mobility
goals by providing excellent efficiency. Volvo has achieved this
objective through good aerodynamics on a compact footprint,
lightweight body materials, and an electric powertrain.

Volvo opted to give the Volvo 3CC a high strength steel space frame
and composite sandwich floor panels for safety and lightweight. The
outer body is a bonded one piece carbon fibre shell. The resulting
chassis rigidity and its innovative suspension also give the car
great handling characteristics.

“The double floor used to house the electric energy storage makes
the concept future-proof in that the layout can be adapted for the
most appropriate powertrain in the future, whether it be petrol,
diesel, biogas, or hybrid electric,” explains Ichiro Sugioka,
Science Officer at VMCC in California. "In Shanghai, we are
demonstrating the electric powertrain, one of the most challenging
to package into a vehicle, to highlight its potential where there is
abundance of renewable energy that can be converted to electricity."

Meticulous wind tunnel tests resulted in an enhanced aerodynamic
efficiency that is 30% better than the new S40 sedan.

With a potential driving range of over 300 km (180 miles) under
certain driving conditions, the torque-to-weight ratio is roughly
comparable to the powerful T5 model, but available over 0 - 3500
rpm. In typical driving conditions, about 20 percent of the energy
can be recovered by regenerative braking.

This performance is achieved using a drivetrain specifically
designed for the Volvo 3CC, although it too is a prototype. The
electric power comes from lithium-ion cells identical to those used
in modern laptop computers that are packaged in the thin sandwich
floor.

Front wheel driven, the Volvo 3CC at Shanghai has double wishbone
front and rear suspension. The front suspension includes
horizontally mounted adjustable coil over shocks that give a low
hood line. The rear suspension includes vertically mounted
adjustable coil over shocks. Due to the vehicle's lightweight and
the power of the regenerative electric braking, unassisted brakes
provide good stopping power. The 3CC uses Michelin Pilot Sport
215/45 ZR18 tires that are normally found on supercars for utmost
performance.

The interior of the Volvo 3CC offers dynamic ergonomic positioning
for both driver and front passenger. Unique solutions include
replacing instrument panel toggles with proximity sensors that are
activated by a finger as it gets to within 5 mm to adjust lights,
climate, and audio system.

“Rather than refining existing cars and technologies for new
markets, Volvo has listened, questioned and speculated about the
future and developed this all new concept,” says Lex Kerssemakers,
Senior Vice President of Brand, Product & Business Strategy. “We
think the Volvo 3CC opens a door into that future and we will
develop the concept further.”